3 GUILTY IN CONTRABAND SCAM

Three Chicago businessmen were found guilty by a federal court jury in San Diego Wednesday of buying stolen U.S. Marine Corps equipment that had been taken from the nearby Camp Pendleton Marine base.

The three, convicted after a five-week trial, were the most recent of 103 civilians and 43 marines and soldiers convicted in the last year of dealing in millions of dollars worth of clothing and equipment pilfered from military bases.

The three are George Saltzman, 59, owner of American Waste Fiber Co., 2600 W. 19th St., identified by federal prosecutors as one of the top 10 dealers in military surplus items in the nation; his son and business associate, Mark, 33; and an employee, Sheldon Wechter, 32.

They were arrested a year ago on charges of buying contraband Marine equipment at a surplus store in Oceanside, Calif., that was really a ''sting'' operation run by federal agents.

Among the items purchased were camouflaged radar-resistant nets that federal prosecutors said are used by marijuana growers to protect their crops from aerial surveillance.

Other items included flame-resistant coveralls worn by tank crew members and aircraft carrier tie-downs, which are used to prevent planes landing on carrier flight decks from sliding into the sea.

Gay Hugo, the assistant U.S. attorney who prosecuted the Saltzmans and Wechter, said the sting, code-named Operation Rip Stop, was in business for two years buying stolen goods from crooked servicemen and selling the items to civilians, mainly military surplus dealers.

All of the 103 civilians convicted in the continuing investigation were tried in the U.S. District Court in San Diego. The 43 soldiers and marines were convicted by military courts at Camp Pendleton and Ft. Bragg, N.C.

Hugo said that Mark Saltzman, of 4349 Oak Knoll Ct., Northbrook, was found guilty of 23 counts of conspiracy to receive stolen U.S. military property, receiving such property and unlawful purchase of such property.

U.S. District Judge Earl Gilliam, ordered him held without bond pending sentencing on Oct. 28. He faces a maximum possible sentence of 137 years in prison and a $125,000 fine.

Bond for George Saltzman, of 2248 Valencia Dr., Northbrook, was set at $50,000 while he awaits sentencing Oct. 28. He was found guilty of 9 counts of conspiracy, and receiving and buying stolen goods. He faces a maximum possible sentence of 61 years in prison and a $61,500 fine.

Bond for Wechter, of 733 Concorde Dr., Highland Park, was set at $10,000. He was found guilty of conspiracy and faces a maximum possible sentence of 5 years in prison and a $10,00 fine. The firm also was found guilty of conspiracy and faces a fine, Hugo said.